The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) celebrated a year of remarkable achievements, including a record-breaking revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion, at its end-of-year party and award ceremony held on Friday.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, lauded the Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, and his team for their exceptional performance. Represented by Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, the CGC urged the command to sustain the momentum through compliance and stakeholder synergy, describing compliance as a “competitive advantage.”

In his message, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of compliance in fostering transparency, reducing operational risks, and strengthening trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. He stated that compliance not only boosts revenue but also enhances trade facilitation, attracts foreign investment, and aligns Nigeria with global best practices.

“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with global best practices. By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth,” Adeniyi said.

Comptroller Olomu, in his welcome address, described the event as a blend of celebration, collaboration, and recognition. He attributed the command’s achievements to the dedication of officers and the robust relationships built with stakeholders and sister government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), DSS, NDLEA, NAQS, Port Health, Police, and Immigration.

“Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti-smuggling, and legitimate trade facilitation,” Olomu noted. He highlighted the command’s operational strategy of regular engagement with stakeholders, which has significantly enhanced intelligence sharing and trade facilitation.

The event featured awards to exceptional stakeholders and officers who contributed to the command’s success in 2024. Notable awardees included APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight, and Princess Chi Ezeh, CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited.

The command also recognized serving and retired officers for their invaluable contributions to its operations. Comptroller Olomu urged the awardees to view the recognition as a call to greater commitment and challenged others to strive for excellence in the coming year.

Looking Ahead, with its focus on stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, and robust enforcement, the Apapa Port Command aims to surpass its achievements in 2025. “Let’s do it again in 2025,” Olomu concluded, expressing optimism for continued success in collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies.

The ceremony underscored the command’s dedication to fostering inclusivity, transparency, and national economic growth through efficient port operations and compliance-driven strategies.